NAMES: Stephanie Moss (Website and Instagram Host), Lesley Eaton and Julie Evans
GOLF HANDICAPS: Steph (17.0), Lesley (16.3), Julie (23.1)
HOME CLUB: Brookdale for all 3
GOLFING SINCE: Steph 2015, Lesley 2014, Julie 2015
Q & A:
What made you take up golf:
Steph: I was on honeymoon and we found a driving range so had a dabble thinking it would be a good shared hobby. Then I got divorced, broke my leg and golf went on the back burner. I then had a new first date playing golf (who doesn’t like a bit of ‘blind date golf’!
Lesley: I live in a farmhouse adjacent to a 9 hole golf course. Having enjoyed the social side of golf with my husband I decided to take up golf and made many friends as a result.
Julie: I was a Business Investment Manager attending many conferences at golf clubs (introducing businesses to the joys of golf interaction through business). I was coming up to age 57 and deciding to semi retire but needed a hobby. So I joined the same club as my husband as I too had already built up a friends circle of golf and non golf members.
What goals do you have regarding your golf future:
Steph: To keep trying to get my handicap down. I won’t be a single figure handicapper but if I could get down to 12 I’d be very happy. I’m on a mission to get new clubs this year so if anyone has any good recommendations or ones for me to try out I’d be happy to!
Lesley: To try and golf more in the sun, I’m hoping retirement gives me the freedom to do more abroad. Obviously taking Steph and Ju with me!!
Julie: I’m 70 this year so my aspiration is to carry on keeping fit, ‘not letting the old lady in’ and to continue playing golf at least 3 times a week. Also my sons and grandchildren enjoy a good game of golf. My 4 sons have a drinks distribution business and supply golf clubs, football clubs etc. In return the businesses host golf opens inviting sponsors to get involved.
Also, we are able to increase footfall to our companies that we are Brand Ambassadors for and to assist in enabling them to have pop up shops at small venues where the Golf Pro is agreeable, as they cater more for men.
Who is your golfing inspiration:
Steph: Annika Sorenstam, what a fabulous player and Solheim cup Captain. Overall a great advocate for Women who Golf!
Lesley: Justin Rose, also a great advocate for women’s golf. But I admire his tenacity, his professionalism, his demeanor and attitude to golf. A young achiever winning around 16 cups in quick succession. His fitness regime and general attitude to people and the game of golf.
Julie: Tommy Fleetwood, a local lad who we had the pleasure of meeting on one of our yearly visits to watch the Dunhill Pro Am in St Andrews. He was only just starting out and his family invited us to walk the course with their entourage, it was amazing. Since then his talent, attitude, perseverance. Playing with respect, joy, sportsmanship and humility. He inspires through team spirit, something we’re known for as Golf Girls on Tour throughout our circuit.
How would you like to see the game grow:
Collective Response: We would like to see it more accessible for kids. It’s a great sport and so social. Its outdoors, and can really help with mental health, anxiety as can help with mindfulness.
Golf needs to be fun and friendly, it has been thought to be a bit stiff at times, we as GGOT are trying to break down some of these preconceptions and to encourage ladies into the sport. Don’t forget how valuable exercise is for peri-menopause and menopausal ladies is. We know sometimes pounding exercises are not so good, so golf is great, it gets you out walking in the fresh air, it lifts your mood by being outdoors and socialising. What’s not to love. Plus you get to dress up in your best and favourite clothes and play out all day with your pals!
Tommy Fleetwood has a great ethos and gives so much back to the upcoming youngsters within the game. He offers real partnerships with real benefits for children and it also introduces parents to a different social life taking out the fear of ‘stiff upperclass’ environments.
Taking golf into mainstream schools or taking kids out to golf courses as part of PE lessons and not just holding private junior sessions (which most kids would hold a ‘posh’ pre-conception about). Showing the girls that it’s a game for all not just males (breaking down those barriers).
What advice would you give for anyone wishing to take up golf:
Collective Response:
Give it a go, start with junior lessons or driving ranges for teens and adults. Golf should be fun, we are all amateur’s after all! Make it fun with your friends and try and join with your friends to take the fear of the unknown out of the thought process.
There are ‘get into golf’ schemes which can help you work out if it’s something you would enjoy.
Golf can perceived as being ‘expensive’ but it doesn’t have to be.
Golf is a great ‘leveller’ in sport, when you’re older and your netball, rounders, football or running sports are starting to test your body and your competitive ability. Golf handicaps allow everyone to join in at differing skill levels but still be in with a fighting chance of playing competitively.
Playing in ‘golf opens’ gives everyone a chance to try other courses but more than that, it gives other courses (especially the smaller local ones) the opportunity to thrive with the support shown for these events.
You’ll never be lonely, but if you choose to have some ‘me time’ its a beautiful place to enjoy it.
We don’t call it ‘playing golf’ we call it ‘playing out’.
Regards
Steph/Les/Ju
